After noting that a patient with leukemia has thrombocytopenia, which action will the nurse plan to take?
Palpate lymph nodes for swelling.
Check temperature for elevation.
Inspect skin for bruising or petechiae.
Examine oral mucosa for ulceration.
The Correct Answer is C
Choice A rationale:
Palpating lymph nodes for swelling is not directly related to thrombocytopenia. Thrombocytopenia is a condition characterized by a low platelet count, which can lead to easy bruising and bleeding. Checking lymph nodes is more relevant in assessing for infection or malignancy.
Choice B rationale:
Checking temperature for elevation is important for assessing infection, which could be a cause of thrombocytopenia. However, in this context, inspecting the skin for bruising or petechiae is more specific to thrombocytopenia. Petechiae are small, red or purple dots that appear on the skin when platelet count is low.
Choice D rationale:
Examining oral mucosa for ulceration is essential in the assessment of conditions like oral cancer or infection. While thrombocytopenia could lead to bleeding in the oral mucosa, it is not the most specific or immediate concern in a patient with known thrombocytopenia.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Choice A rationale:
Purpura refers to purple or red discolorations on the skin caused by bleeding underneath the skin. It is larger than petechiae and ecchymosis and could be a sign of a more serious underlying condition. Petechiae are small, red or purple dots that appear on the skin due to minor bleeding from broken capillaries. In the context of leukemia and thrombocytopenia (low platelet count), petechiae are common due to impaired clotting mechanisms.
Choice B rationale:
Bruising occurs due to damage to blood vessels underneath the skin, resulting in the leakage of blood into the surrounding tissues. Bruises are typically larger than petechiae and can occur with various conditions, including trauma. In this case, the small 1-mm red macules are more indicative of petechiae.
Choice D rationale:
Ecchymosis refers to a larger area of subcutaneous bleeding or bruising. It is larger than both petechiae and purpura and often results from more significant trauma or bleeding disorders. The description of multiple 1-mm red macules is characteristic of petechiae rather than ecchymosis.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Choice A rationale:
A normal blood pressure reading is typically around 120/80 mm Hg. The given reading of 142/91 mm Hg indicates elevated blood pressure.
Choice B rationale:
Prehypertension is defined as systolic blood pressure between 120-139 mm Hg or diastolic blood pressure between 80-89 mm Hg. The diastolic reading of 91 mm Hg places this patient in the stage 1 hypertension category.
Choice D rationale:
Hypertension, stage 2, is characterized by a systolic blood pressure of 140 mm Hg or higher and a diastolic blood pressure of 90 mm Hg or higher. While the systolic reading meets the criteria, the diastolic reading of 91 mm Hg falls into the stage 1 hypertension category.
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